Harleys to return to Fakenham while Wells welcomes bikers to sunny coast

The Harley Davidson Rally leaves on its way through Fakenham Town Centre. Picture: Matthew Usher.

Archant Norfolk 2016

The unmistakeable roar of Harley Davidson engines will return to Fakenham this year for a second rally in the town set to be three times bigger than the first.

From left Liam O’Sullivan, Sam Papworth and Neil Sturman with a Harley Davidson at Gallery Bistro in Fakenham. Picture: Chris Bishop.

Liam O’Sullivan, who runs the Gallery Bistro, has once again teamed up with butcher Sam Papworth and Neil Sturman to invite 150 of the classic bikes to the town centre on Saturday, July 29.

The whole of the market place will be closed for the morning event which will see the bikes lined up for the public to look at and so they can talk to their owners.

Mr O’Sullivan said: “We had 50 bikes last year which was good for our first event but we thought it was an opportunity to do something bigger, close the road and invite the bikes into town like a mini-carnival.

“This year we will have 150 bikes, as well as American cars, music, a barbecue and stalls.

Motorcycle event Wheels next the Sea took place this weekend. Picture: Sam Finch

“I think anything like this will be great for the town and its a good opportunity for people to come together.”

Sam Papworth will be running the barbecue and the Bistro will be serving morning pastries and other refreshments.

At the end of their stay in Fakenham the bikes are expected to all roar off together to drive through the town and then head off to the coast.

“It will be quite a spectacle,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Wheels next the Sea motorcycle event. Picture: Sam Finch

The event will run from 9am to 12.30pm and will also raise money for the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

* A motorbike event in Wells last weekend saw around 500 bikes park up on the Beach Road in the sunshine.

Organised by Wells Football Club it was the ninth year for the Wheels next the Sea event which saw bikers ride into town from all over the country.

“We had a father and son all the way from Grimsby,” said football club chairman Steve Finch.